Wednesday, July 19, 2017

7/19 Larry Van Aalst talks with Christopher O'Gorman & Greg Morthole

 Christopher O'Gorman - Director of Communications, Rodney Strong Wine Estates 

Chris is a veteran in the wine business, with stints at some of the most recognized wineries in Northern California & The position at Rodney strong is natural. We talk about the amazing special events going on at the winery, but mainly the Davis Bynum brand that is a part of the Rodney Strong organization.





Greg Morthole - Winemaker, Davis Bynum Winery 

Following in the footsteps of Davis Bynum, Greg is the winemaker at Davis Bynum Winery. With a forward vision and a nod to the past, the wines are exceptional, and honor the founder of one of the most progressive wineries in Sonoma County. As part of the Rodney Strong family, Davis Bynum continues to be on the top of my list of favorites.

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

7/5 Larry Van Aalst talks to Rene Byck & Scot Covington

 Rene Byck - Co-owner, Paradise Ridge Winery

Being Co-owner of Paradise Ridge winery in Santa Rosa Ca, is a dream job for sure. With his brother in law Dan Barwick making award winning wines,  support from the entire family, and one of the most beautiful wineries in the United States, Rene is sitting on top of the world. Located at the north end of Santa Rosa, the winery and vineyards are one of the most popular spots for events in the wine country. There is a long list of special reasons to visit throughout the year, the outdoor Art Garden is beyond compare. As one of the extraordinary venues for weddings, you can't miss, when you are in Sonoma County, stopping at Paradise Ridge.

 Scot Covington - Winemaker, Trione Winery

Just outside of Geyserville in the Alexander Valley, Scot is the Winemaker at Trione Winery. With a long history in Sonoma County the Trione Family found a gem  of a winemaker in Scot and he is producing wines winning major awards. A world traveler, with a degree from Fresno State, the choice to premier the winery with Scot at the helm has worked perfectly. We talk about the Sonoma scene and what is happening with the 2017 vintage.

Wednesday, June 21, 2017

6/21 Larry Van Aalst talks with Debra Del Fiorentino & Alexandra Russell

 Debra Del Fiorentino - Owner, WineCompetitions.com

Debra is a veteran of all things wine. Along with being a one time winery owner, and running five of the most noted wine competitions, Debra is now part of Spirited Magazine. A background in the publishing industry makes the job a perfect fit. We talk about the debut of Spirited, and the upcoming North Coast Wine Challenge, named the best of the best, with only gold medal winning wines.

 Alexandra Russell - Editor in Chief, Spirited Magazine

Alex has just geared up and released the first issue of this unique magazine. Wine, spirits, beer, and ciders, all play a role in the content, the target reader is both the professionals in the field and all interested in finer beverages. Alex tell us about starting a publication and her relation with The Press Democrat, the most popular wine country newspaper. 

Wednesday, June 7, 2017

6/7 Larry Van Aalst talks with Tom & Brenda Lee Simoneau




We have a full hour with Tom and his wife Brenda Lee, proprietors at Simoneau Vinyards. Natives of Maine, Tom came to California as a musician, fell in love with the Northern California Wine Country and talked Brenda into coming out to Healdsburg in Sonoma County. After years selling wine Tom made the leap and purchased the 15 acre vineyard and started the winery. Years later Tom, known as "The Wine Guy" on local radio is making some exceptional Bordeaux and Chardonnay. Awards abound, and the press is wild over the Simoneau Wines. Tom and Brenda tell us about the good life living on "the ranch".

Wednesday, May 24, 2017

5/24 Larry Van Aalst talks to Christopher O'Gorman & Greg Morthole

Christopher O'Gorman - Director of Communications, Rodney Strong Wine Estates 

Chris is a veteran in the wine business, with stints at some of the most recognized wineries in Northern California & The position at Rodney strong is natural. We talk about the amazing special events going on at the winery, but mainly the Davis Bynum brand that is a part of the Rodney Strong organization. 





Greg Morthole - Winemaker, Davis Bynum Winery

Following in the footsteps of Davis Bynum, Greg is the winemaker at Davis Bynum Winery. With a forward vision and a nod to the past, the wines are exceptional, and honor the founder of one of the most progressive wineries in Sonoma County. As part of the Rodney Strong family, Davis Bynum continues to be on the top of my list of favorites.

Wednesday, May 10, 2017

5/10 Larry Van Aalst talks to Tom and Brenda Lee Simoneau & Scot Covington

 Tom & Brenda Lee Simoneau - Proprietors, Simoneau Vineyards

We have a full hour with Tom and his wife Brenda Lee, proprietors at Simoneau Vinyards. Natives of Maine, Tom came to California as a musician, fell in love with the Northern California Wine Country and talked Brenda into coming out to Healdsburg in Sonoma County. After years selling wine Tom made the leap and purchased the 15 acre vineyard and started the winery. Years later Tom, known as "The Wine Guy" on local radio is making some exceptional Bordeaux and Chardonnay. Awards abound, and the press is wild over the Simoneau Wines. Tom and Brenda tell us about the good life living on "the ranch".

 Scot Covington - Winemaker, Trione Winery

Just outside of Geyserville in the Alexander Valley, Scot is the Winemaker at Trione Winery. With a long history in Sonoma County the Trione Family found a gem  of a winemaker in Scot and he is producing wines winning major awards. A world traveler, with a degree from Fresno State, the choice to premier the winery with Scot at the helm has worked perfectly. We talk about the Sonoma scene and what is happening with the 2017 vintage.

4/26 Larry Van Aalst talks with Debra Del Fiorentino & Alexandra Russell

 Debra Del Fiorentino - Owner, WineCompetitions.com

Debra is a veteran of all things wine. Along with being a one time winery owner, and running five of the most noted wine competitions, Debra is now part of Spirited Magazine. A background in the publishing industry makes the job a perfect fit. We talk about the debut of Spirited, and the upcoming North Coast Wine Challenge, named the best of the best, with only gold medal winning wines.





 Alexandra Russell - Editor in Chief, Spirited Magazine

Alex has just geared up and released the first issue of this unique magazine. Wine, spirits, beer, and ciders, all play a role in the content, the target reader is both the professionals in the field and all interested in finer beverages. Alex tell us about starting a publication and her relation with The Press Democrat, the most popular wine country newspaper.

Wednesday, April 12, 2017

4/12 Larry Van Aalst talks with Rene Byck & Scot Covington

Rene Byck - Co-owner, Paradise Ridge Winery

Being Co-owner of Paradise Ridge winery in Santa Rosa Ca, is a dream job for sure. With his brother in law Dan Barwick making award winning wines, support from the entire family, and one of the most beautiful wineries in the United States, Rene is sitting on top of the world. Located at the north end of Santa Rosa, the winery and vineyards are one of the most popular spots for events in the wine country. There is a long list of special reasons to visit throughout the year, the outdoor Art Garden is beyond compare. As one of the extraordinary venues for weddings, you can't miss, when you are in Sonoma County, stopping at Paradise Ridge.


 Scot Covington - Winemaker, Trione Winery

Just outside of Geyserville in the Alexander Valley, Scot is the Winemaker at Trione Winery. With a long history in Sonoma County the Trione Family found a gem  of a winemaker in Scot and he is producing wines winning major awards. A world traveler, with a degree from Fresno State, the choice to premier the winery with Scot at the helm has worked perfectly. We talk about the Sonoma scene and what is happening with the 2017 vintage.

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

3/29 Larry Van Aalst talks to George Christie & Ray Johnson

George Christie - Founder & CEO, Wine Industry Network 

Involved in the wine business for many years, George sits on agency boards, has worked for Northern California Wineries that are household names, and now runs a newsletter that gives you more information than any other. We talk about Spring in Sonoma, politics and wine, and the prospect of a great 2017 vintage.







Ray Johnson -  Director of the Wine Business Institute, Sonoma State University 

Educator, Author, Wine Competition Maven, and all around good guy, Ray is with us to talk about the new building at Sonoma State University. The Wine Business Program is off to a great start and is already known around the world. With the addition of the hub of the program, the students will enjoy state of the art surroundings on their way to a Masters Degree in Wine Business. We talk about the progress and the date we expect the opening. With the addition of the Green Center a few years ago, world class entertainment is at hand and expect more great things all about wine. 

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

3/15 Larry Van Aalst talks with Tim McDonald & Jim Gordon

 Tim McDonald - Founder, Wine Spoken Here 
A part of two of the best wine competitions in California, Tim is also a principle in Wine Spoken Here. The Central Coast Wine Competition, and The San Francisco International, are just around the corner and Mr. McDonald has a big job ahead of him. We talk about the logistics of staging an international event, and all about the Paso Robles Competition.


Jim Gordon - Editor, Wines and Vines Magazine 

Jim is with us in part to talk about a huge cork seminar in the works and what's new in the field of closures. We talk about the newest approaches to making world class wine, and his outlook for the now well watered vineyards in California.

Wednesday, March 1, 2017

3/1 Larry Van Aalst talks with Beth Costa & Dan Barwick

 Beth Costa - Executive Director, Wine Road Northern Sonoma County

Being the person in charge of The Wine Road in Sonoma County, this also means you are the host of the worlds largest wine event. Beth has been hosting the Barrel Tasting for years now. Including more than 100 wineries, you have a chance to taste barrel samples, current releases, and meet principles in some of Northern California's best. We talk about this huge event scheduled for two weekends in March, and Beth will give you the inside scoop on how to have the best time on the Road.


Dan Barwick - Winemaker, Paradise Ridge Winery  

Winemaker and part of the family at Paradise Ridge Winery, Dan is a pro at putting together a great time at Paradise Ridge during the Barrel Tasting season. A favorite stop for CRN's Mike Horn, this Santa Rosa winery Is a must visit. Award winning wines, beautiful vistas, and the best outdoor art gallery in Sonoma County make for an unforgettable experience. Dan along with Beth Costa will fill you in on the best way to join the fun for the biggest of wine country events.

Wednesday, February 15, 2017

2/15 Larry Van Aalst talks to The Count & Barry Lawrence

 Agoston Haraszthy - The Count, Buena Vista Winery

Buena Vista Winery has one of the most recognized figures in Northern California as the goodwill ambassador . The Count, in period costume and his trademark stovepipe hat, hosts dinners, leads tours, and brings the spirit of the founder of the oldest winery in Sonoma alive. We talk about the developments at Buena Vista, and how you can participate in the total experience.




Barry Lawrence - Founder, Eagle Ridge Winery 

Author, educator, fixture in both food and wine in Sonoma County and around the world, Founder of Eagle Ridge Winery, and a commercial pilot. Barry is also a historian, and tells us of the Count at Buena Vista Winery. Barry has stories for us all.

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

2/1 Larry Van Aalst talks to Miro Tcholakov & Elizabeth Slater

 Miro Tcholakov - Vice President of Winemaking, Trentadue Winery  

Being the Vice President of winemaking at Trentadue Winery, and having his own brand, Miro Wines, Mr. Tcholakov is one of  the stars in Sonoma County. Coming off a sweepstakes prize at The San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, and a quick trip to visit family in Bulgaria Miro has jetted in to be on this weeks show. Especially involved in Rhone style wines, he is with us to talk about the new releases from both wineries, and the effect of a major win at the worlds largest competition of American wines.


Elizabeth Slater - Founder, In Short Direct Marketing 

A savant in the marketing field, Elizabeth is the founder of In Short Direct Marketing. A veteran in the Wine Industry and a Motivational Speaker, Elizabeth is here to talk about the future of California Wines, and in specific, the Wine Label Competition she runs in Northern California. A long time friend and a fixture in the business, lends for great stories and insight into all things wine.

Wednesday, January 18, 2017

1/18 Larry Van Aalst talks with Christopher O' Gorman & Jim Caudill





New in his position as Director of Communications at Rodney Strong Vineyards, Chris is a veteran of the Northern California wine industry. We talk about the new food program at Rodney Strong, and the recent releases. Having just finished the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition, Chris tells us the big winners and all about the judging.






Jim, a long time employee at some of the biggest and best wine producers in California, now has taken over one of the largest portfolios of  the wine business. Jim is also a long time Judge at the San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition and is here to talk about the largest competition of American Wines in the world!

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

1/4 Larry Van Aalst talks to Christopher Paige & Dan Berger

 Christopher Paige - CEO, California Human Development

California Human Development, is a non profit social services agency. Chris talks about the future of farmworkers in the vineyards and across the agricultural areas of all California. We learn that what a bottle of wine costs today, may not be what it costs two years from now.








A good friend of CRN, Dan talks about the outlook for the 2016 vintage. A member of the roundtable on "The Drive with Steve Jaxon" on KSRO Radio, Dan is the go to guy in Santa Rosa for news in the industry.

Wednesday, December 21, 2016

12/21 Larry Van Aalst talks with Chris Russi & Will Seppi

 Chris Russi - Winemaker, Comstock Winery

Chris heads up one of the newest teams in the area. After making a name at Christopher Creek Winery, his latest venture puts him on the map as one of the best around. Not only exceptional
in his job, Chris is THE nice guy in Northern California, and my favorite guest for the Christmas Show!








Will Seppi - President, Costeaux French Bakery

For more than ten years Will has been heading up Costeaux French Bakery, an icon in Sonoma County. With sweeps in the medals department at our local fairs, and a national Best Bakery in the United States Award, Costeaux is the place to put together a picnic for your day of tasting, or to stop by the Bistro for a real treat. Will gives us his hints for what to do during the holidays, and how he puts together the thousands of loaves of bread for the upcoming Chronicle Wine Competition.

Wednesday, December 7, 2016

12/7 Larry Van Aalst talks with Jeremy Kreck & Timo Marshall

 Jeremy Kreck - Winemaker, Mill Creek Winery

Being Winemaker for Mill Creek Winery, and balancing a full family life has Jeremy smiling all the time. Award winning wines, and one of the most beautiful locations in all of Sonoma County puts Mill Creek as a must visit on your next trip to Northern California. We talk about the 2016 vintage, and things to do during the Holidays in Wine Country, along with trying the new releases.





Timo Marshall - Distiller, Spirit Works Distillery 

Spirit Works Distillery, is one of the crowing touches of The Barlow Center . Just west of Santa Rosa. Timo, and his wife Ashley have, in a few short years made a big impression on the media, and their customers . Gin, Vodka, and Brown Whiskey, are just some of what they do, and do they do it well! We talk about the other side of the lucky coin in Sonoma County, Breweries and Distilleries. Timo shares a parking lot with some of the best wineries in the world and now you have the chance to try some of the best spirits by just walking next door.

Wednesday, November 23, 2016

11/23 Larry Van Aalst talks to Sheila Quince & Dan Barwick

 Sheila Quince - Coordinator, Sonoma County Event Center

After a long association with the Sonoma County Fair, Sheila retired in 2014, but has been called back to run events at The Event Center. All those things we think about as being a part of  a county fair, and the wine competition that has been a big part of Sonoma County's claim to fame are under her watchful eye. We talk about The Harvest Fair Wine Competition and it's impact on the
Wineries of Sonoma.



Dan Barwick - Winemaker, Paradise Ridge Winery

A regular guest on The Sonoma Wine Report, Dan, last week won the Sweepstakes Award at the Grand Harvest Wine Challenge. Although this is not the first Sweepstakes Award he has won, Dan tells us the importance of winning a nationally important prize.

Wednesday, November 9, 2016

11/9 Larry Van Aalst talks to David Brice & Randy Pitts


David Brice - Redwood Hill Farm

The Bice family started Redwood Hill Farm as an offshoot of the children's 4H program, and as the years passed, it flourished into one of Sonoma County's premiere Goat Cheese producers. A favorite of CRN's Mike Horn, the products from Redwood Hill, are not only receiving accolades but setting a standard for the industry. David talks with us about what the new year will bring at the farm, and explain the ethical treatment of the goats and a heartfelt respect for the earth.


Randy Pitts - Winemaker, Harvest Moon Winery

Being Winemaker for a family owned winery gives Randy the chance to follow his own drum. A style that is softer, and more food oriented is obvious when you sample the Harvest Moon wines. Winning countless medals and awards, Randy's  direction has put smiles on the faces of his family, and the consumers alike. We talk about the 2016 vintage, new releases, and perhaps a comment on election day and it's effect on the industry.

Wednesday, October 26, 2016

10/26 Larry Van Aalst talks with Bob Peak & Remy Martin

 Bob Peak - Principle, The Beverage People

As one of the principles in The Beverage People, Bob is the go to for all things wine, beer, cheese, and vinegar in Northern California. Located in Santa Rosa the shop is available to both professional, and home makers of things fermented. We talk about homemade gifts for the holidays that will delight all that receive one, and An assessment of the 2016 vintage is on the slate.






 Remy Martin - Co/Proprietor & Brewer, Fogbelt Brewing Company

Remy and his partner come from notable wine making families. Located in Santa Rosa, Fogbelt is the perfect stop when the tasting rooms close. We talk about the " Hot Bed" of Brewpubs that Sonoma County represents, and your chance to visit a brewery directly next door to a winery.